Apple Fritter Doughnuts

Make the apple filling:

1. In a bowl, combine the diced apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch and vanilla bean paste.
2. Mix together, coating the apples thoroughly.
3. Cover with a lid and set aside.

Make the dough:

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar and yeast and give it a stir. Let it sit and become active and bubbly.
2. In a large bowl or a stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook attachment, add in the all-purpose flour, butter, egg and sea salt.
3. Pour in the yeast mixture and knead until the dough comes together.
4. If the dough is too sticky, add a teaspoon of flour until it's not overly sticky. It should feel slightly tacky to the touch.
5. Place the dough ball into a lightly oiled bowl and cover. Let it rest in a warm location until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
6. Once the dough has risen, punch the dough down.
7. Roll the dough out into a square about 10" by 10".
8. Spread the apple mixture over the surface of the dough (don't add the juices that have drained).
9. Roll up the dough into a log (similar to a cinnamon roll).
10. Dust the work surface with a little all-purpose flour.
11. Cut the dough into smaller pieces, about 1.5" in size.
12. Sprinkle additional all-purpose flour over the cut dough.
13. Divide and cluster together a few clumps of dough and press together to form into a circular lump.
14. Transfer each "lump" to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and repeat with the remaining dough.
15. Cover the dough with a piece of plastic wrap and leave to rise in a warm location, until slightly puffy, about 20 minutes.

Fry the doughnuts:

1. Heat a pot of oil over medium heat, until it reaches 350°F/177°C.
2. Fry one doughnut at a time, about 2 minutes per side, until light golden brown, flipping halfway.
3. Remove the doughnut with a slotted spoon and place onto a baking sheet or cooling rack lined with paper towel to drain.
4. Repeat with the remainder.

Glaze the doughnuts:

1. In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk and vanilla extract.
2. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
3. Take one doughnut and dip it into the glaze.
4. Remove the doughnut and place onto a wire rack to set.
5. Repeat with the remainder.
6. Serve immediately.